On December 7, 2001, John Gangemi (Conservation Director) and Risa Shimoda (Executive Director) represented American Whitewater at a press conference to
voice concern about the causes and consequences of delays in the dam licensing that is affecting rivers in Arizona, California, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.
Andrew Fahlund (American Rivers) Steve Malloch (Trout Unlimited) provided comlementary perspectives, and referenced a report that documents how these rivers are languishing in regulatory limbo due to industry foot-dragging and intergovernmental bickering over the licenses for hydropower dams.
“Stranded Midstream” documents the true causes of these delays, the consequences for the health of the rivers, their fish and wildlife inhabitants, and the recreational and economic opportunities they support. The coalition will recommend reforms to speed the process while maintaining stringent environmental protections.
This event provided additional perspective for reporters who intend to cover a public hearing on Monday, December 10th and Tuesday, December 11th held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to discuss the same projects.
The Coalition fears that FERC will echo its report from earlier this year, which made scapegoats of state and federal environmental agencies — and may repeat their request to Congress to reduce state prerogatives to enforce state water quality standards.
For a copy of the report, visit
http://www.americanrivers.org/docs/HydroReport3.pdf
For a list of rivers affected by these dams, visit
http://www.americanrivers.org/docs/hydrolist12.7.01.pdf